There’s a certain warmth that fills the kitchen when you’re baking something delightful, and today, it’s all about Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze. The combination of tart cherries and rich vanilla is simply irresistible, especially as they bake to golden perfection. Picture this: a fresh batch of scones emerging from the oven, their inviting aroma swirling around your home, tempting family and friends to gather around.
Perhaps you’re on the hunt for an easy dessert that surprises with both flavor and flair – these scones are just that! With only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can elevate your afternoon tea or cozy family brunch. Plus, the best part is that you can easily mix things up with different fruits or flavors, ensuring there’s always a new twist to explore. So grab that mixing bowl, and let’s create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
Why love Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze?
Irresistible aroma: As they bake, your kitchen fills with a warm, inviting scent that turns any day into a special occasion.
Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these scones in no time, making them perfect for busy weekdays!
Versatile treats: Whether you stick with tart cherries or experiment with raspberries, each variation offers a unique flavor experience.
Crowd-pleaser: They make an excellent addition to brunch gatherings, always leaving folks asking for seconds!
Best served warm: The drizzle of vanilla glaze transforms each bite into a delicious moment you won’t want to miss—perfect with tea or coffee.
Tart Cherry Scones Ingredients
• Get ready to bake these delightful scones with essential ingredients!
For the Scones
- All-purpose flour – The base that gives structure; swap for gluten-free flour for a different version.
- Chilled butter – Ensures flakiness; margarine can be used for a dairy-free option.
- Sugar – Sweetens the scones; brown sugar works well for a richer taste.
- Baking powder – Keeps the scones light and fluffy; make sure it’s fresh for optimum rise.
- Salt – Elevates the overall flavor of your scones.
- Egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture; use a flax egg for vegan adaptations.
- Half and half – Adds creaminess to the dough; can be substituted with milk or a plant-based alternative.
- Tart cherries – The star ingredient for this flavor-packed treat; fresh or frozen will work perfectly.
For the Vanilla Glaze
- Powdered sugar – Provides sweetness and is essential for achieving a delightful glaze texture.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses rich flavor into your glaze; consider vanilla bean paste for extra intensity.
- Water – Used to adjust the glaze consistency—add gradually until you reach your desired texture.
These Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze are not just another quick dessert; they are an experience waiting to be shared! Enjoy your baking adventure!
How to Make Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This forms the foundation of your scones, so make sure they are evenly mixed!
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Incorporate Butter: Grate the chilled butter into the dry mixture and blend using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for creating a flaky texture in the scones.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and half and half, then gradually mix this into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be gentle to keep the dough light and airy.
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Prepare Cherries: Chop your tart cherries, pat them dry, sprinkle a little flour and sugar over them, and then gently fold into the dough. This adds bursts of flavor in every bite!
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Shape Scones: If you have a scone pan, fill it half full with dough; otherwise, form three large circles and cut them into wedges for smaller scones. Aim for an even thickness to ensure they bake uniformly.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them as you wait for that delightful aroma to fill your kitchen!
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Make Glaze: While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust the water gradually until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
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Glaze Scones: Remove the scones from the oven and drizzle them with the vanilla glaze while they’re still warm. This adds a beautiful finish and delicious flavor!
Optional: Top with crushed nuts or more fresh cherries for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze?
These delightful scones are perfect for a cozy gathering, inviting warmth and comfort to your tea or coffee time.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of freshness and color, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the scones.
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Clotted Cream: Rich and creamy, this classic accompaniment enhances the scone experience, providing a luxurious texture that complements the tartness of the cherries.
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Herbal Tea: A steaming cup of chamomile or mint tea brings out the fruity notes while offering a calming, aromatic experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully over the warm scones, creating a delightful contrast.
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Honey Butter: Spread a little honey butter on warm scones for an extra touch of sweetness and richness, creating a flavor explosion.
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Lemon Zest Glaze: A light lemon glaze can add a pop of citrus that complements the tart cherries, brightening every bite.
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Lemonade: An ice-cold glass of lemonade balances the sweetness, enhancing the flavors and making for a refreshing pairing.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of decadence, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the scones, marrying tartness with rich sweetness.
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Sparkling Water: For a light, refreshing beverage, sparkling water with a hint of lime complements the flavors without overpowering them.
Make Ahead Options
These Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze are perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights! You can prepare the scone dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and incorporating the butter, but leave out the cherries until you’re ready to bake. Store the dough, tightly wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you prefer, you can also shape the scones and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fold in the tart cherries, preheat your oven, and bake as directed for scones that are just as delightful and fluffy, saving you precious time in the process!
Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze Variations
Customize your baking experience with these delightful twists that will elevate your Tart Cherry Scones into something unique and memorable!
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Berry Blast: Swap tart cherries for fresh raspberries or blueberries for a burst of sweetness. The vibrant colors will make your scones stand out!
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Apple Cinnamon: Replace the cherries with diced apples and a dash of cinnamon for a cozy autumnal flavor. It’s like a warm hug in every bite!
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Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrusy kick that brightens the overall taste.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based milk alternative in place of half and half for a delicious dairy-free version.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the tart fruit.
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Almond Glaze: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract in the glaze for a uniquely nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cherries.
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Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of ginger or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for an unexpected spicy note that adds depth to the classic scone.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over your glazed scones. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Storage Tips for Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze
Room Temperature: Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their delightful texture.
Refrigerator: If you need to store scones longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the scones in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to your baking time for freshness.
Reheating: To enjoy the best flavor and texture, reheat the scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will bring them back to their warm, fluffy delight!
Expert Tips for Tart Cherry Scones
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Keep it Cold: Use very chilled butter to achieve the best flaky texture in your Tart Cherry Scones. The colder the butter, the better!
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Mix Gently: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough scones. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed for a light and tender result.
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Check Leavening: Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as this is crucial for a nice rise. Old baking powder can result in dense scones.
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Fruit Variations: Don’t hesitate to swap tart cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Each variation brings a new flavor experience!
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Glaze Consistency: Adjust the water in your glaze gradually until you reach the desired thickness. A thicker glaze holds up better, while a thinner glaze drizzles beautifully.
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Serve Warm: For the best experience, enjoy these scones warm right out of the oven. The delicious aroma and soft texture are simply irresistible!
Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze Recipe FAQs
What type of tart cherries should I use?
Absolutely, you can use either fresh or frozen tart cherries for this recipe! Fresh tart cherries bring a vibrant flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen cherries work wonderfully too. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your scone dough.
How should I store leftover Tart Cherry Scones?
After baking, store your leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, ensuring they’re tightly wrapped. This way, they won’t dry out and will still taste delicious when you’re ready for your next treat!
Can I freeze Tart Cherry Scones?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these scones! Just let them cool completely after baking. Then, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them directly from the freezer into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, and they’ll be as good as fresh!
What if my scones turn out dense?
Very! Dense scones usually happen due to overmixing the dough or using stale baking powder. To create that lovely light texture, mix the wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh; it should ideally be less than 6 months old for the best rise.
Are Tart Cherry Scones safe for pets?
While tart cherries are safe for humans, they are not recommended for pets. The stems, leaves, and pits of cherries contain cyanide, which can be harmful. Always ensure that any cherry-based goodies are kept far away from your furry friends!
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Certainly! To make these Tart Cherry Scones gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well in this recipe; just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help provide structure!
Tart Cherry Scones with Vanilla Glaze - Simply Irresistible!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Grate the chilled butter into the dry mixture and blend using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and half and half, then gradually mix this into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Chop your tart cherries, pat them dry, sprinkle a little flour and sugar over them, and then gently fold into the dough.
- If you have a scone pan, fill it half full with dough; otherwise, form three large circles and cut them into wedges.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Remove the scones from the oven and drizzle them with the vanilla glaze while they’re still warm.
